New Yorkers flock to Florida — and Gov. Scott is pleased

Gov. Rick Scott praised new U.S. Census findings that listed Florida as the nation’s top spot for state-to-state migration — powered by a surge of New Yorkers flocking to the Sunshine State.

Many Palm Beach County residents may see the trend as only meaning more traffic on Federal Highway and longer lines at The Gardens Mall. But Scott sees the net total of 59,288 more New Yorkers coming to Florida as validation of the economic turnaround he touts the state as experiencing during his administration.

“We encourage families from other states to take a look at Florida because we are making sure that our residents can live their version of the American Dream,” Scott said.

The latest U.S. Census survey showed the nation’s top 10 destination moves — with the New York to Florida link and Georgia to Florida transition (a net 38,658-person gain) making the list. Florida also had more people move here from Puerto Rico than any other state (almost 15,000 more).

Employment relocation and people seeking cheaper housing was among the reasons for the moves, the survey found.